By Yemi Olakitan
Only secure genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are permitted in Nigeria, according to Dr. Rufus Ebegba, Director General (DG) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Ebegba revealed that the agency had made sure that only secure contemporary biotechnology operations and GMO goods were permitted in Nigeria.
He made the disclosure during a media chat with journalists in Abuja at the weekend.
He claimed that regulations existed to guarantee the agency’s ability to carry out its mission effectively.
According to Ebegba, the agency has established a strong synergy among stakeholders to effectively regulate GMOs and their products and to sign memoranda of understanding with the appropriate regulatory agencies.
“NBMA is now a centre for GMO Detection and Analysis training for local and foreign university students.
“Nigeria is benefiting from safe contemporary biotechnology inside a legal framework for economic growth,” said the DG adding, “Improved agriculture, job and wealth creation, industrial expansion and sustainable environment as operators now have faith in the industry.”
He declared that the threats to human health posed by modern biotechnology practises and the usage of GMOs had been reduced to the absolute minimum.
According to Ebegba, “dumping of unlicensed GMOs in Nigeria is currently at its lowest point, possible risk and socio-economic effects of unlicensed GMOs are being guarded against.”
According to him, a one-health approach would be used to draught the National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan for the years 2022–2026.
Ebegba reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the tenets of international conventions and treaties, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
“In 2023, the agency will build on its successes, raise greater awareness, and pave new paths,” he declared.